state fire marshal - ohio department of commerce · state fire marshal 5th annual sfm toy drive is...

STATE FIRE MARSHAL• Winter 2019 •

Mike DeWineGovernor

Jon HustedLt. Governor

Sheryl MaxfieldDirector

Jeff A. HusseyState Fire Marshal

STATE FIRE MARSHALWinter 2019 • 8895 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 • Ohio Department of Commerce

Table of Contents

Marshal Letter ...................................15th Annual Toy Drive..........................2CRR, Evaluating Our Impact.............3Forensic Lab......................................4 Code Corner, Did you know?............5Licensing Renewals...........................6Fireworks Training.............................7Code Enforcement Bureau...............8

Mike DeWineGovernor





Mike DeWineGovernor




Carbon Monoxide Risk Mitigationby State Fire Marshal Jeff Hussey

As we are deep in the middle of home heating season, I would like to raise some awareness regarding carbon monoxide (CO) risks to residents across the state. In recent years, based on Ohio Fire Incident Reporting data, Ohio’s fire service typically responds to more than 15,000 carbon monoxide alarms and incidents. Of these responses, reports indicate more than 5,000 of these incidents reveal the actual presence of carbon monoxide inside a structure at some level.

It is important we are well prepared to respond appropriately to these calls, with the right skill set to mitigate these conditions. Most fire companies are equipped with combustible gas and CO detection. My experience, however, is not all personnel are fully proficient or comfortable in conducting CO surveys of a structure. It is important for our leadership and training staff to have good policy and training on the proper way to look for CO sources.

Personnel must be thorough and methodical in their approach – sometimes looking beyond the traditional sources such as furnaces, gas water heaters, gas cooking equipment and automobile exhaust fumes. It is vital for responders to understand the health effects of various levels of CO. Whenever possible, we should always understand where the source of CO is coming from, even if it is detected at a minimal level.

In conducting CO surveys, crews must fully understand mechanical heating and ventilation systems. Gas company personnel and heating contractors are a great source of information and should be considered as potential instructors on this topic. It is also essential to understand the operation and maintenance of our gas monitoring equipment. Regular calibration is very important, and correct operation ensures reliable results and minimizing damage to equipment and sensors. Directly exposing a gas monitor to flue gases or exhaust can immediately damage sensors, resulting in faulty readings and expensive repairs.

When looking for CO, if crews are unable to determine the source, the local gas company should be contacted for assistance. It may also be necessary to return to the scene for a follow-up survey several hours later. Always be certain building occupants are in a safe, CO-free location until sources can be identified and eliminated. Appropriate EMS evaluation and treatment is always a priority if exposure is suspected.

In an effort to provide a reasonable level of protection to the residents of multi-family residential, institutional and educational buildings, the 2017 Ohio Fire Code (O.F.C.) contained new requirements for CO detection in Group R, I and E buildings. New buildings in these use groups are required to have CO detection which is integrated into the fire alarm system. It is important to note the O.F.C. also contains retroactive requirements for battery powered CO detection in these types of buildings

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Mike DeWineGovernor




wherever a CO source exists. This requirement includes apartments, hotels, schools and health care facilities. Technical guidance on this subject can be found on our website under the “Ohio Fire Code” tab. The requirements for retroactive detection originally became effective Jan. 1, 2019, but we have granted an extension by variance until Feb. 1, 2019.

Moving forward, I look forward to your partnership in educating Ohioans about the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, as well as the new requirements in the fire code. Please take some time to review your policy on conducting CO surveys and make sure your members are well trained on their equipment and procedures. Thanks for your dedicated service and all you do to keep your communities safe.

Jeff A. Hussey, OFE, OFC, CFOState Fire Marshal

5th Annual SFM Toy Drive is Huge SuccessFor the fifth straight year, the State Fire Marshal’s annual toy drive benefiting children at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital burn unit was a huge success thanks to the generosity and support of division staff.

On Dec. 18, State Fire Marshal Jeff Hussey, Chief Deputy William Spurgeon and other SFM staff delivered 167 toys, games and puzzles, as well as 50 care packages containing personal care items for family members.

This yearly effort is always an enjoyable way for all Commerce staff to give back.

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Carbon Monoxide Risk Mitigation continued....


Mike DeWineGovernor




CRR: Evalutating Our Impact and Outcome | Part 1by Richard Palmer, CPM – Assistant Chief, Fire Prevention Bureau

Fire department leaders must determine what is most important when challenged with drafting effective budgets. Though firefighters like the shiniest, most well-equipped apparatus, departments must be strategic in how and when they purchase new. Chiefs struggle with the difficult task of choosing when and if more personnel should be hired or when it is necessary to downsize. They must decide if they can balance their roster with operations and support staff – even those who might serve in prevention roles. Volunteer agencies must acquire additional turnout gear, SCBA and other necessities when they are fortunate enough to gain additional department members.

How can a chief and his or her community leaders determine where to appropriate these funds? Is there a strategic way to determine what is most important?

What about this Community Risk Assessment we keep hearing so much about? Is it being utilized? Alternatively, what’s all this buzz about evaluating a program’s impact and outcome? Why is it important? When a grant proposal is submitted, it must always include a solid evaluation process. The importance of determining the impact and outcome of Community Risk Reduction efforts cannot be stressed enough.

Who is trained and equipped to do these evaluations? Fortunately, more fire service leaders are getting better at it. Many have taken it upon themselves to learn more, to seek additional courses and sources to help them improve their skills. Here are a few questions to ask to help determine success:

•Can we do a better job of training our people to think and work this way at the beginning of their careers?

•Can we instill in our recruits the values of prevention, as well as the importance of mitigation?

•Can we teach the integrated strategies shown to work so well in model programs across the globe?

The answer to each question is “yes.”

Evaluation starts with an examination of a department’s data – not just the volume of runs in a specific category, but in various categories such as demographics, socioeconomics, ethnic and cultural diversification, responses at given times throughout the day and night, and more. Sample questions (and certainly no indication of the potential level of questions we should explore):

•How much is being spent on each ambulance response?

•What does it cost to move a ladder truck from one point to another?

•What is the knowledge gained from a safety education program?

•How many smoke alarms did we install in the community this year?

Collecting and accessing data is a dedicated effort. It requires time, knowledge and technology.

Quoting a recent article from Chief Jonathan Westendorf, MPA, OFC, of Franklin Fire Department:

"Technology is infiltrating all aspects of the fire service. It is time that emergency service leaders measure and implement necessary programs,

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Mike DeWineGovernor




such as the Community Risk Reduction programs, to reduce and end the threats to our community and responders. Existing fire department personnel may not be best equipped to take on this new role. Changing business practices, exploring new opportunities with individuals who have different skillsets, and an eye toward data collection and analysis is part of the missing key to success. Many of the presenters who participated in Vision 20/20 have demonstrated success with this approach is possible."

Chief Westendorf is also 1st vice president of the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, where he chairs the legislative committee. Read his entire article titled Is There Still Room in the Firehouse for a Fire Prevention Officer? at https://westpolicy.com/. The Vision 20/20 project can be found at https://strategicfire.org.

Of course, we must document our processes from the very start. Keeping good records of our activities – not just our responses – helps determine both effective and ineffective approaches. Should we keep doing something that isn’t shown to be effective? If we don’t document what we’re doing and how we’re doing it, we may find ourselves continuing that practice – even without knowing!

Explore some of the courses offered at the National Fire Academy (NFA), including Applications of Community Risk Reduction (R0385); Demonstrating Your Fire Prevention Program’s Worth (R0378); and Station Based Risk Reduction (R0673). These can help you learn valuable evaluation techniques.

We are fortunate to have the NFA course Demonstrating Your Fire Prevention Program’s Worth (R0378) scheduled as a local delivery at the Ohio Fire Academy from May 19-24, 2019. To register, visit https://ofa.com.ohio.gov.

Forensic Lab Expands Repertoire with Mobile Capabilities The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Forensic Laboratory has added a new capability that gives forensic lab examiners the ability to extract data from mobile devices such as cellphones, tablets, thumb drives, GPS devices and drones involved in criminal offenses.

The information recovered from these types of devices includes: calendar entries, call logs, chats, contact lists, location information, installed applications, notes, potential passwords, internet browser search history, SMS and MMS text messages, cloud accounts and data, voicemails, web bookmarks, history of websites visited, WiFi connections, media files including audio, pictures, and videos, timeline of phone events, malware/viruses on the device, social graphs of closest contacts and number of communications made. Depending on the device type; deleted data from these categories can sometimes also be recovered.

Submitting mobile device evidence will be the same as the current submission policies and practices. Along with the mobile device evidence, a consent to search – or search warrant – will be required to extract and analyze the information contained on the device.

For questions, or more information, contact Chief Chad Wissinger at 614-752-7150 or 888-801-2752.

Evaluating Our Impact and Outcome continued....

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https://westpolicy.com/

https://strategicfire.org

https://strategicfire.org

https://ofa.com.ohio.gov


Mike DeWineGovernor



Jeff A. HusseyState Fire Marshal5

Code Corner: Did you know?Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless and odorless poisonous gas that can kill you without warning when inhaled. It does this by inhibiting the blood’s ability to carry necessary oxygen to vital organs such as the heart and brain.

Carbon monoxide cannot be detected without a carbon monoxide detector. These detectors are available in plug-in, battery-operated or hardwired models, and should show the “UL” marking (indicating it is listed by Underwriters Laboratories).

A byproduct of incomplete combustion, dangerous levels of CO can be produced by any fuel-burning device. To help prevent CO poisoning in your home, office or automobile, follow these tips:

All appliances should be professionally installed, maintained and used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Have the heating system inspected/serviced yearly (in addition to any other gas-, oil- or coal-burning appliance).

Make sure chimneys and vents are checked for blockages, corrosion and loose connections.

Open flues completely when fireplaces are in use.

Never operate unvented fuel-burning appliances indoors.

It is also important to note a CO detector does not replace a smoke detector! Smoke detectors sound before a CO detector can react – allowing for more time to escape.

Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors save lives. Install both devices on each level of your home and inside all sleeping areas. Test detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Change Your Clock – Change Your Batteries!

Additionally, have a plan for escaping a fire and make sure there are two clear ways out of every room. Once outside, have everyone meet at a designated safe location away from the home. Never go back into a burning house. Get Out and Stay Out!


Mike DeWineGovernor



Jeff A. HusseyState Fire Marshal 6

Licensing Renewals

Fire Protection Licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal’s office are available to be renewed online! Click here to renew or verify active licenses. Hardcopy notices are also mailed and can be returned to our office. Individual licenses expire quarterly by last name.

Expiration dates:

•Last names A-G, Jan. 2

•Last names H-M, April 1

•Last names N-S, July 1

•Last names T-Z, Oct. 1

The grace period previously offered for fire protection licenses was eliminated with the 2017 Ohio Fire Code (O.F.C.) changes. No late renewals will be accepted; re-testing would be required.

Fireworks Licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal’s office are available to be renewed online! Don’t wait until July 4 – get your license early! Click here to renew or verify active licenses. Hardcopy notices are also mailed and can be returned to our office.

•Renewal notices are emailed and mailed annually in January

•Renewals are due no later than April 1

•Renewal fee is $50

•Submit national FBI background check

•Submit Continuing Education Completion Certificate for most-recent course

•Renewal can be completed by hardcopy or online

•Fireworks Assistant licenses can also be renewed online

Any hotels and motels submitting license renewals after the Dec. 31, 2018 deadline will be charged a $300 reactivation fee. Past-due renewals can be submitted online here or by completing the renewal forms that were mailed throughout the state of Ohio within the last couple of months.

Any hotel/motel that has failed to renew by Dec. 31 no longer holds a valid license and, therefore, must cease operation until a renewal is submitted. Failure to submit a past-due renewal by March 1 will result in the license being made inactive – meaning owners will need to reapply with an increased fee.

https://elicense7.com.ohio.gov



https://elicense7.com.ohio.gov/


Mike DeWineGovernor




Fireworks Continuing Education-0001 Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 Cincinnati, Ohio • Cincinnati Firefighters Union Hall 1011 West 8th St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45203

Fireworks Continuing Education-0002 Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 Massillon, Ohio • Jackson Township Fire Department 7383 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646

Fireworks Continuing Education-0003 Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019 Cleveland, Ohio • Cuyahoga Community College Corporate College East, Room 205 4400 Richmond Rd., Cleveland, Ohio 44128

Fireworks Continuing Education-0004 Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 Toledo, Ohio • Perrysburg Township Fire Department 26609 Lime City Rd., Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 Fireworks Continuing Education-0005 Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019 Cambridge, Ohio • Bureau-Worker’s Compensation 61501 Southgate Rd., Cambridge, Ohio 43275 S.R. 209 off I-70 Exit 17B

Fireworks Continuing Education-0006 Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 Mason, Ohio • Kings Island Training Center 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, Ohio 45040

Fireworks Continuing Education-0001 Thursday, May 2, 2019 Columbus, Ohio • Ohio Fire Academy 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

For additional information, contact Jim Starrett at [email protected].

The online version of this course will be coming soon and will be offered at no charge.

All courses begin at 9 a.m. and will last six hours with a one-hour lunch. The courses listed above are sponsored by the State Fire Marshal’s office and will meet requirements for continuing education (CE) that must be completed every three years by a licensed fireworks and/or pyrotechnics exhibitor in Ohio.

A licensed exhibitor who attends this required program may, within one year after attending, and on an annual basis during the following two years, conduct in-service training using the information obtained in this class.

This course is designed to give the officer in charge of issuing a permit, information regarding National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and Ohio Fire Code (OFC) requirements, responsibility, liability and safety.

National FBI background checks are required for all fireworks licensure and fingerprinting is offered at a charge of $24 at the state-sponsored continuing education classes.

Fireworks CE Training set for 2019Course to be offered online for the first time

Old Man Winter may have just begun to rear his ugly head here in the Midwest, but the staff here in the State Fire Marshal’s Testing and Registration Bureau are already looking ahead to the Fourth of July and the booming celebrations of our nation’s birth.

To help ensure Ohio’s fireworks exhibitors can continue to put on the great shows displayed each and every July throughout the state, the State Fire Marshal’s office offers annual continuing education (CE) training for Fireworks Safety. These courses are a requirement for anyone to maintain an exhibitor’s license in Ohio.

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mailto:[email protected]


Mike DeWineGovernor




Code Enforcement Bureau Exemplifies Spirit of Giving The State Fire Marshal’s (SFM) Code Enforcement Bureau exemplified the spirit of giving this holiday season by coming together for a southwest Ohio family going through some tough times.

During the bureau’s annual holiday party on Dec. 19, Chief Alan Smith and his entire team joined forces with Santa Claus and Sparky the Fire Dog to surprise seven West Alexandria children and their father with Christmas gifts. The children lost their mother in a tragic automobile accident south of West Alexandria back in June.

One by one, each of the children took a turn with Santa Claus, who handed them neatly wrapped gifts from underneath a Christmas tree decorated at the front of a large room on the SFM campus. Then, the youngsters opened the presents alongside members of whichever Code bureau district provided the gifts. The children’s faces were wide-eyed and all smiles with each tear into the wrapping paper as they revealed toy cars, dolls and even a Sony PlayStation 4 gaming system. Once all of the children opened their gifts, their father was presented with a care package of his own.

The day’s festivities culminated with the family joining the entire Code bureau for a traditional holiday meal.

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Mike DeWineGovernor




The Ohio Department of CommerceDivision of State Fire Marshal

8895 East Main StreetReynoldsburg, OH 43068

614-752-8200888-252-0803 Toll-Free800-750-0750 TTY/TDD

[email protected]/fire

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state fire marshal - ohio department of commerce · state fire marshal 5th annual sfm toy drive is...

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